Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

Florida's storm season brings powerful winds, heavy rain, and the potential for significant property damage. Your garage door, often the largest opening in your home, is particularly vulnerable. Here's how to prepare your garage door for storm season and protect your home.

Why Garage Doors Are Vulnerable

During hurricanes and severe storms, garage doors can become the weak point in your home's defense. If a garage door fails, wind can enter your home, creating internal pressure that can lift the roof or blow out walls. Proper preparation is essential.

Inspect and Maintain Your Door

Before storm season, have your garage door professionally inspected. Our technicians check for: - Worn or damaged weather stripping, Loose or corroded hardware, Spring tension and balance, Track alignment, Panel integrity

Consider Hurricane-Rated Doors

If you live in a high-wind zone, consider upgrading to a hurricane-rated garage door. These doors are tested to withstand specific wind speeds and impact resistance. They feature: - Reinforced panels, Heavy-duty tracks and hardware, Impact-resistant materials, Wind load bracing

Temporary Storm Protection

For existing doors, several options can provide temporary protection:

Vertical Bracing Kits: These retrofit kits add reinforcement to your existing door panels. They're installed before a storm and removed afterward.

Horizontal Bracing: Additional bracing can be added along the door's horizontal sections for added strength.

Sandbags: Placing sandbags against the bottom of the door helps prevent water intrusion.

During the Storm, Never attempt to operate your garage door during a storm, If possible, park vehicles inside to add weight, Stay away from the garage area

After the Storm

Inspect your garage door before operating it. Look for: - Visible damage to panels or tracks, Debris in the track system, Water damage to the opener or wiring

If you notice any damage, call our team before attempting to use the door. We offer priority storm damage assessment and repair.

Special offer: Storm season special, Free tune-up with installation! Call (352) 723-5152 today.

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